Effects of Different Sources of Water on Concrete Strength: A Case Study of Ile-Ife

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of different types of mixing water on the compressive strength of concrete. It analysed the effect of impurities such as salts of sodium, manganese, tin, zinc, copper and lead on the compressive strength of concrete. The effects of the presence of some other impurities like silt and suspended particles on concrete strength were also investigated. Samples of water from six sources in Ile-Ife environ were chemically analysed to ascertain their chemical constituents.  100mm cube samples were cast with these water samples. Compressive strength test was carried out on the cubes and the findings were statistically processed.  The results indicated that sources of water used in mixing concrete have a significant impact on the compressive strength of the resulting concrete. It concluded by suggesting that river water could be used for mixing where tap water is scarce. However, other properties such as durability and shrinkage should be considered before use.

Keywords: compressive strength, concrete, mixing water